About Peonies
Peonies are lush, romantic flowers prized for their full, ruffled blooms and sweet fragrance. These stunning flowers have been cultivated in China for over 2,000 years and are considered the "king of flowers" in Chinese culture. With their abundant petals and intoxicating scent, peonies epitomize romance and luxury.
Peonies bloom in late spring to early summer, offering a brief but spectacular show. Their large, cabbage-like blooms can reach up to 10 inches across and come in shades of white, pink, coral, and red. Despite their delicate appearance, peony plants are incredibly hardy and can live for over 100 years.
Primary Meanings
- Romance: Happy marriage, bashfulness, compassion
- Prosperity: Good fortune and wealth
- Honor: Respect and high regard
- Beauty: Feminine beauty and grace
Colors and Their Meanings
Pink Peonies
Romance, prosperity, good fortune, happy marriage
White Peonies
Purity, innocence, regret, bashfulness
Red Peonies
Honor, respect, passion, prosperity
Coral Peonies
Desire, happiness, joy
Yellow Peonies
Good luck (rare color)
Popular Types
Herbaceous Peonies
Traditional garden peonies that die back in winter
Tree Peonies
Woody shrubs with large, dramatic blooms
Itoh Peonies
Hybrid combining best of herbaceous and tree types
Japanese Peonies
Single blooms with prominent yellow stamens
Care Instructions
💧 Water
Change water daily, peonies are heavy drinkers.
✂️ Trim
Cut stems at angle, place immediately in water.
🌡️ Temperature
Keep cool to extend blooming period.
🐜 Ants
Gently rinse off ants (they're attracted to nectar).
❄️ Refrigerate
Can store unopened buds in fridge for later blooming.
Best Occasions
- Weddings: Extremely popular for bridal bouquets and centerpieces
- Anniversaries: Especially 12th wedding anniversary
- Mother's Day: Express love and appreciation
- Romantic Occasions: Valentine's Day, proposals, dates
- Apologies: White peonies express regret and bashfulness
Interesting Facts
- Peonies have been cultivated for over 2,000 years in China
- They're named after Paeon, physician to the Greek gods
- Peony plants can live for over 100 years
- The flower is associated with the 12th wedding anniversary
- Ants on peonies help buds open (they eat nectar)
- China is the ancestral home and uses them in traditional medicine